Packers’ CB room looks full, but several newer additions should push for a final spot

In a different position than most years in the past decade, the Green Bay Packers entered and left the 2019 NFL Draft without a pressing need at cornerback (no pun intended). And with a stable of five key returners from the 2018 season, Green Bay’s room for newcomers on the 53-man roster is limited.

Green Bay has invested heavily in corners in the draft, selecting Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, and Josh Jackson in the past three years. They also may have struck gold with the signing of undrafted Tony Brown in September, while mixing in veteran experience with Tramon Williams through free agency last offseason. Barring a late release or training camp injury, the Packers will have a nearly-full load of players already in the cornerback room before accounting for the undrafted rookies and relatively new additions to the roster.

But it is not uncommon for the Packers to keep a sixth corner on the roster, especially one with the versatility to fill in at safety and on special teams. As organized team workouts continue this week, here are a few of those names that are competing for an opportunity to stick in Green Bay.

Ka’dar Hollman

Despite corner not being a priority in the draft, the Packers still selected one in the sixth round when they made Hollman the 185th pick. The Toledo product continued a trend of high-character picks for Green Bay as a former walk-on who worked other jobs and wrote letters for scholarship offers before earning his chance with the Rockets. But it was not just his background that made Hollman attractive to Green Bay.

By running a sub-4.4 forty at his Pro Day in addition to showing off excellent athleticism, Hollman caught the eye of many NFL scouts. His size and press skills should give him the opportunity to earn playing time quickly for the Packers while he adjusts to the professional level. While he will be a 25-year old rookie, Hollman is expected to be in the mix for a final spot on the roster at the end of camp.

Chandon Sullivan

An under-the-radar prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sullivan posted 25 passes defended and seven interceptions during his Georgia State career. He was expected to turn some heads at the NFL Combine, but ran a disappointing 4.60 forty-yard dash. Still, Sullivan turned in a 40.5” vertical and earned an undrafted opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

Sullivan’s press coverage and intelligence were his calling cards despite his lack of long speed, and he started one game for the Eagles in 2018 after beginning on the practice squad. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from further action late in the season and Philadelphia released him on May 6. But as a special teams contributor last season with a 5-foot-11 frame, Sullivan could push for another practice squad stint in Green Bay with his prior NFL experience and still untapped potential.

Will Redmond

A late-season ACL injury as a senior hurt Redmond’s draft stock back in 2016, but the Mississippi State Bulldog was still drafted in the third round by San Francisco. Still, a healthy season has evaded Redmond in the pros and Redmond finished the 2018 season on the Packers’ injured reserve after a call-up from the practice squad.

Entering just his fourth season in the league, there is still time for Redmond to recapture the promise he showed in college. He remains a low-cost lottery ticket as a cover man, while offering experience on special teams with 55 snaps last season for Green Bay. While he has his work cut out for him, Redmond’s physicality could earn him another chance in a crowded defensive backfield.

Natrell Jamerson

Jamerson is no stranger to the state of Wisconsin, having played his college ball for the Badgers and spent time on the Green Bay roster late in the 2018 season. Jamerson is still listed as a cornerback on the Packers’ website, but figures to spend time at safety in training camp, a position he played as a senior at Wisconsin.

With eye-popping measurables at the NFL Combine, Jamerson was selected by New Orleans in the fifth round in 2018. However, he was cut at the end of camp and signed by Houston, where he appeared in 10 games. In limited action with the Packers, Jamerson played 23 special teams snaps but is back in Green Bay this summer. Jamerson is very much on the outside looking in at this point in time, but if he can show the ability to plug in at safety, a position seeking depth once again, his special teams ability could help earn him a full year in Green Bay.